Roots of the upper back teeth usually protrude into the sinus floor and once they are removed
the sinus enlarges. It is quite common to have insufficient bone depth for placement of a
dental implant before the floor of the maxillary sinus is reached.
It is still possible to place dental implants by grafting a small amount of bone to the
floor of the sinus, hence lifting the sinus floor to where it was prior to tooth loss,
allowing the correct length of implant to be placed fully within bone. This procedure is
called a sinus lift or sinus augmentation and it is a form of bone graft. It is a well
evidenced procedure and has reported success rates of 90% long term.
For smaller sinus lifts it may be possible to do the graft though the root form preparation
at the time of implant placement, this is a closed or crestal approach sinus lift. The
patient will be aware of a tapping pressure sensation as this is carried out. For larger
grafts, better visibility is attained by making a small window in the side of the sinus
under the gums, this is an open or lateral approach sinus lift. Usually this will lead to
bruising and swelling on the side of the face in question.
Complications of sinus lift include but are not limited to: Pain, swelling, bruising,
bleeding, nosebleed, infection of gums or sinusitis, dizziness, failure of the graft.
It is important that you mention to your dentist any chronic or recent sinus problems prior
to any sinus procedure. You will have thorough assessment of the bone site and sinuses prior
to any procedure, occasionally you may be referred to an ENT surgeon for assessment if
anything is picked up during the assessment phase that requires further investigation.
I consent to the taking of photographs, study models and x-rays before, during and after
treatment to assist in the planning and progress treatment objectives. If the case proves to
be of special scientific interest, the dentist reserves the right to present the records in
scientific papers or demonstrations to the profession.
